Cruise ships: they’re supposed to be relaxing, enjoyable getaways, right? While booking some time onboard a cruise ship might sound like an excellent vacation, there’s actually a surprising degree of risk involved. Every year, people fall ill or are injured while vacationing on a cruise line, whether it’s widespread breakouts of a virus that wasn’t properly screened for or injury stemming from the negligence or carelessness of the crew. Don’t let this happen to you – if you’re injured while vacationing on a cruise line, you’ll need the help of an experienced maritime lawyer who’s willing to fight for you.
Cruise Ship Illnesses & Accidents
Cruise ships, despite their relaxing nature, are potential hotbeds of accident and sickness amongst both the crew and the guests. The sheer amount of people on board, combined with the hazardous conditions that any vessel can experience, can lead to an unsafe environment if the crew or shipowners aren’t diligent enough about the safety needs of their passengers.
From sudden outbreaks of sickness amongst crew and passengers in close quarters, to unsafe conditions in common areas such as the pool or the cafeteria, the owners of a cruise ship have a responsibility to provide the safest possible experience for their guests. If you fall injured or ill while onboard a cruise ship, the laws surrounding them can be complex – but the cruise ship injury lawyers of O’Bryan Law can help.
O’Bryan Law has the skill, the knowledge, and the experience it takes to navigate the tricky waters of cruise ship injury law. Cruise ship injury and illnesses cases can be among the most difficult cases to see through, and only O’Bryan has the talent you need to get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free case consultation.
Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer FAQs
Am I Protected By The Law If I Am Injured On A Cruise Ship?
Injuries on a cruise ship are covered by a special set of American maritime laws regarding when and where lawsuits against a cruise ship company can be brought, among other factors. It’s a complicated area of law that oftentimes seems stacked in favor of the big cruise ship companies, but the right cruise ship injury lawyer can help you fight for what you’re owed.
These laws stand independent from the Jones Act, as the Jones Act is designed to protect workers and commercial employees, as opposed to guests onboard a passenger ship. However, the laws surrounding cruise ships can potentially work in your favor if you contact O’Bryan Law.
What Are Some Of The More Common Cruise Ship Injuries?
Injuries can happen when a cruise line fails to have sufficient safety guidelines in place or when those guidelines are ignored or disregarded by the crew. Common injuries can include:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Food poisoning
- Sexual assault
- Faulty or broken equipment
- Man overboard
And many more. The risks you take onboard a cruise ship can be different from other risks you might even encounter working in the maritime industry, and if you fall victim to the carelessness or maliciousness of a cruise ship crew, you need to fight for your rights with the help of a cruise ship injury lawyer like O’Bryan Law.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured On A Cruise Ship?
The first thing you should do in the event of an illness, accident, or injury on a cruise vessel is to immediately seek medical attention. Not only will this potentially lessen the severity of your injury, it will also provide a record of you attempting to attend to your injuries before the cruise line’s lawyers can get involved.
Once you have sought medical attention, the next thing you need to do is contact a maritime lawyer like O’Bryan Law to begin a review of your case and determine what possible compensation you can seek for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have To Report A Cruise Ship Injury Or Accident?
The timeframe to report cruise ship injuries can vary depending on a number of factors, primarily including the fine print on your ticket. Many cruise lines set a statute of limitations on reporting any incidents aboard their vessels, often around six months or so. After seeking medical treatment for your injury, it’s important to contact a cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible in order to begin reviewing your case.
Will The Location Of The Cruise Ship At The Time Affect My Case At All?
Depending on their location, cruise ships operate under a number of different laws during their voyage. During a single voyage, a cruise vessel can find itself under the jurisdiction of international maritime law, US maritime law, laws based in wherever the vessel is located at the time of the accident, and the laws of the country where the ship is registered. While many cruise ships fly a “flag of convenience” by registering themselves in another country, passengers are typically covered by international maritime law. This law leaves cruise ships responsible for the safety and well-being of their passengers, a fact which can come in handy if you wish to seek compensation for your injury.
